Fire breaks out at UK nuclear submarine shipyard
BAE Systems Submarines’ 25,000m² Devonshire Dock Hall indoor shipbuilding complex, the largest of its kind in Europe.
A large fire broke out early Wednesday morning (30 October 2024) at BAE Systems’ nuclear submarine shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, resulting in two individuals being hospitalised for suspected smoke inhalation.
The fire, which started at around 12:30am, has primarily affected the Devonshire Dock Hall, a crucial facility for constructing the UK’s nuclear-powered submarines, including the Dreadnought class, which is set to replace the Vanguard submarines in the early 2030s.
Local reports cite residents seeing large flames and thick black smoke billowing from the complex, prompting police to advise nearby residents to stay indoors, keep their doors and windows closed, and turn off air conditioning units. The Cumbria constabulary has confirmed there is “no nuclear risk” associated with the blaze and that all other personnel had been evacuated and accounted for.
Dramatic images shared on social media show flames shooting from the building, while residents described the scene as chaotic.
“My son came and got me and said that the BAE alarms were going off,” Donna Butler, local resident, said to a PA journalist. “When I opened the front door, we just saw a lot of black smoke… really thick black smoke, and it was very loud.” Another resident, Jeff Holt, said he could “smell the burning and smoke”.
A Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesperson told the Guardian it is working closely with emergency services and BAE Systems. The spokesperson adds: “We would like to thank the emergency services for their swift response and wish those who have required hospital treatment a quick recovery.”
Investigators have not linked the fire to any foreign entities, and faulty equipment is reportedly being considered as a potential cause.
Stuart Hook from the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service told the BBC that 15 fire appliances were deployed to tackle the blaze, which has since been extinguished.
Read more news about fires on vessels and at on-shore facilities
BAE Systems, one of the world’s largest defence contractors, has instructed non-essential staff at the Devonshire Dock Hall to work from home, while others have been advised to check an employee hotline for updates on site accessibility.
Shares in BAE Systems fell 1.25 per cent in early trading following news of the fire. The Devonshire Dock Hall, which covers six acres (25,000m²), has been the primary construction site for the UK’s Trident nuclear programme and is notable for its size—almost large enough to house the Titanic.
